News

£6.6m Portrush Hotel given green light by council

Acting on behalf of Andras Hotels, Turley has helped to secure approval for a new 87-bedroom, £6.6 million hotel on the site of the former Londonderry Hotel in Portrush.

We provided expert planning, strategic communications and economics services for the proposals which were approved by the Causeway Coast and Glens Planning Committee on 23 January.

The application was originally recommended for refusal in part due to concerns raised by Historical Environment Division. But at committee councillors overturned the officers’ recommendation and voted in favour of the proposed development which is set to positively transform the economy and job prospects of the seaside town.

Speaking about the approval, Brian Kelly, Director, Planning said:

“Today marks the culmination of almost two years of hard work in partnership with Consarc Design and the wider team.

“We are absolutely delighted that the council took the decision to approve the proposed application which will respect the balance of the heritage of the listed building with a viable hotel for Portrush. We now look forward to the construction phase of the development which will provide over 48 jobs over the next 2 years.”

John Davison, Director, Strategic Communications said:

“This is a significant decision that illustrates the maturing of Northern Ireland’s planning process, with locally elected representatives carefully balancing arguments around the preservation of our built heritage with the benefits of bringing a building back into use, alongside the economic and tourism contribution to the area.

The decision by councillors as members of the planning committee to overturn the recommended refusal alongside an objection from a statutory consultee, has secured an important permission that will regenerate a semi-derelict building and support the continued growth of tourism on the Causeway Coast. Andras House’s approach; engaging locally, consulting with the local community, listening to feedback and revising proposals, has been rewarded with a £6.6m boutique hotel approval.”

Rajesh Rana, director of Andras Hotels said:

“We are absolutely over the moon with today’s outcome and would like to thank the councillors for reviewing our revised proposals and recognising the huge tourism benefit and economic investment we are seeking to deliver for Portrush and wider Causeway Coast area.

“The councillors acknowledged our commitment to retaining the history of the site and important architectural features which will be preserved along with artefacts, pictures and stories – which will be a true celebration of the area for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“The hotel concept will reflect the heritage of this important site and will retain and preserve the historic features. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the entire development is an asset to this wonderful seaside town.”

The project is set to regenerate the area and will contribute an estimated £1.4million each year to the local economy, which will create 48 jobs during the construction phase, adding a further £4.8million to the Causeway Coast and Glens area and an additional 41 new jobs when the hotel opens. The project will attract a further 6,600 visitors to the North Coast per annum.

Rajesh concluded: “We look forward to now commencing work on the hotel and should which should be on schedule to open its doors in 2021.”